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00:00I was James' mistress for five years, but now his partner Isabella is coming back.
00:04Our relationship is about to end.
00:062 a.m. The summon stone glows.
00:09Bring contraceptive pills to me now.
00:11I'm at his chamber door, soaked from the storm.
00:13He stares at my drenched clothes.
00:15Who told you to be such an obedient she-wolf?
00:18I hand him the pouch.
00:19The pills you asked for.
00:20He brushes my knuckles with his thumb.
00:22Isabella hasn't arrived yet.
00:24Why don't we make use of them first?
00:26I freeze, then he laughs.
00:27Just kidding. I'm not that much of a monster.
00:30He leans against the doorframe.
00:31I arranged a mate meeting for you next week.
00:33You've run at my side for years.
00:35I don't want you to feel discarded.
00:37You'll go, won't you?
00:38His eyes are cold. I know the truth.
00:40His mate is returning to the territory.
00:42He's disposing of me before she arrives.
00:44I clench my fists.
00:46Just send me the location.
00:48Alpha.
00:48He flinches at the word Alpha.
00:50I turn to leave.
00:51Wait!
00:52He says.
00:52He wraps his heavy cloak around my shoulders.
00:54He grabs the collar, pulling me close.
00:56Don't leave tonight.
00:57But, isn't someone else coming?
01:00He looks annoyed.
01:01You actually believe that?
01:02You think I'm nothing but a ruthless beast?
01:04Who else has there been but you?
01:06I licked my clothes and slipped out.
01:08That's our unwritten rule.
01:09He hates sleeping beside anyone.
01:11For five years, no matter how exhausted,
01:14I always crept to the guest chamber alone.
01:16Next morning, I rushed downstairs.
01:18He was back from the training yard.
01:20Shirtless.
01:21Muscles carved like stone.
01:23I had the servants leave you food.
01:25No time.
01:26I'll be late to the hall.
01:29I'll ride with you.
01:30No!
01:31I blurted out.
01:32My rank elevation results come out today.
01:34I can't arrive at your side.
01:36The pack will think I earned my title on your back.
01:38The room went dead silent.
01:40He stopped and let out a cold laugh.
01:42Fine.
01:43Suit yourself.
01:43He held out a sealed letter.
01:45Your arranged mate meeting next week.
01:48My head started spinning.
01:50The reason I agreed to deliver that herb pouch last night
01:52was to end our five-year secret arrangement.
01:55I didn't want to seem desperate.
01:56I took the letter.
01:57My hands were cold.
01:59Okay.
01:59I whispered.
02:00I'll go.
02:01I've stayed at James' pack manor every week for years.
02:05Back then, I'd carry bundles of spare clothes every time.
02:08He built me a whole wardrobe chamber just so I'd stop lugging them.
02:11But today, I'm clearing it all out.
02:13Everything gone.
02:14James leaned against the doorframe, watching.
02:16We're just Alpha and pack member from now on, I said.
02:19He let out a cold, sharp laugh.
02:21Don't worry.
02:22I won't make things difficult for you.
02:24I rushed into the great hall just before the morning bell.
02:27My pack mate pressed a warm drink into my hands.
02:30Don't forget us when you're leading the unit.
02:33Nothing's decided yet.
02:35You deserve it.
02:36You've pushed harder than anyone.
02:38Five years of blood and sweat.
02:40It's yours.
02:41I smiled at the whole group.
02:43If I get it, I'm treating everyone to a beast.
02:45The hall erupted in cheers.
02:47I watched the announcement board, heart hammering.
02:50Then the scroll was pinned up.
02:51We regret to inform you.
02:53Rank elevation denied.
02:55My mind went completely blank.
02:57The group crowded around, then dead silence.
03:00The Beta Elder spread in with a woman at his side.
03:02This is Isabella, new head, appointed personally by Alpha James.
03:07I looked up and stopped breathing.
03:09She looked exactly like the portrait, the one James kept hidden close to him always.
03:14I felt like I'd been struck by lightning.
03:16I walked to James' chamber like a hollow shell.
03:18I couldn't stop wiping away my tears.
03:20I knocked.
03:21James said coldly,
03:23Enter.
03:23My eyes were red.
03:25I broke the moment I opened my mouth.
03:27Why?
03:27I asked, voice trembling.
03:29He didn't even look up.
03:30What?
03:30Why did you hand Isabella my title?
03:32He finally looked at me.
03:34She wanted it.
03:35Just because she wanted it?
03:37What about the seven years I gave you in this pack?
03:41I nearly died on that rogue border assignment.
03:44James stood and walked toward me.
03:46Claire, this is reality.
03:48I decide everything here.
03:50I just wanted fairness.
03:52I sobbed.
03:53He let out a cruel, low laugh.
03:55Fairness.
03:56You dare speak to me about fairness?
03:58If you hadn't shared my bed, you'd never have gotten through the gate.
04:01You took the easy path.
04:02Now you want fairness?
04:04His words hit like a blade across the face.
04:06I had worked with everything I had for seven years.
04:09I pushed myself past the breaking point every single day.
04:13I had to prove I belonged here.
04:15But he was right.
04:16I entered this pack because of him.
04:18That's how all of this started.
04:19He gave when it suited him and discarded me when it didn't.
04:22I have no right to speak of fairness.
04:24So I'm done.
04:25I'm leaving this pack today.
04:27Meeting James was like something from a fable.
04:30I had just come of age and arrived in Silverstone territory alone.
04:34My mate bond had been broken.
04:36He'd chosen another she-wolf without a word.
04:38I was drowning in grief and the weight of starting over.
04:41So I went to the pack tavern to drink the pain away.
04:45I had never had that much ale before.
04:47I drank until I completely lost my senses.
04:50Usually I'm too timid to speak to strangers.
04:52But that night I walked straight up to the most powerful wolf in the room.
04:56He sat alone, cold, turning everyone away without a glance.
05:00That wolf was James Vane.
05:02I sat down and put my hand on his shoulder.
05:05Want to come back to my den tonight?
05:07I asked.
05:08He took a slow sip and laughed.
05:10I thought we'd be strangers by sunrise.
05:12I was wrong.
05:13The next morning I went to pack headquarters for my entry trial.
05:17I looked up and saw him seated at the head of the table in his alpha's mantle.
05:20I recognized him instantly, but held myself together.
05:24A few hours later, I received my entry offer.
05:27On my first day, he caught me alone in the corridor.
05:29Claire, isn't it?
05:30Can you handle a physical-only relationship?
05:33I'm usually cautious, but his eyes were too deep to refuse.
05:36I can do that?
05:38I whispered.
05:39The moment I said it, I knew I was done for.
05:42I fell for him, hopelessly and completely.
05:45Rare jewels.
05:46Everything an alpha could offer.
05:47But he also trained me, pushed me, taught me everything about this pack.
05:52I started to hope he might love me back one day.
05:54But today, the dream finally shattered.
05:57I was cast aside like a fool who never learned her place.
06:00I finally understood the painful truth.
06:02If it was never meant to be yours, it never will be.
06:06Since I didn't get the rank elevation, I don't even need his seal to leave.
06:10I went to the elder's chamber, and it was done within the hour.
06:13Diana, the pack elder, pulled me into a long hug.
06:17Thank you for everything, Diana, I said.
06:21Can you do one last thing for me?
06:23Keep my departure quiet for now.
06:26I don't want anyone to know I'm gone yet.
06:27She's the only one who ever knew about me and James.
06:30She looked at me and gave a slow nod.
06:32I promise.
06:33That evening, my grandmother's messenger bird arrived.
06:36Sweetheart, did you get the rank elevation?
06:38You promised I'd be the first to know.
06:41My throat tightened.
06:42I couldn't hold back.
06:43Grandma, I'm leaving Silverstone territory.
06:46Silence on the other end for a long moment.
06:48That's wonderful news.
06:50I've missed you every single day.
06:52Come home.
06:53I'll make everything you love.
06:55I started sobbing and couldn't stop.
06:57I knew she was just trying to comfort me.
06:59She used to boast to every elder in the village about my place in the pack.
07:03I had planned to build us a proper den here after the elevation.
07:07A real home.
07:08Just the two of us.
07:09I had imagined it so clearly.
07:11But reality was just too cruel.
07:13Since I couldn't sleep that night, I decided to go out for a walk.
07:17I spotted two wolves hug a head.
07:19They were James and Isabella.
07:20Then I saw the ring.
07:21The rare silver ring.
07:23My heart stopped entirely.
07:25I knew that ring better than anyone alive.
07:27I had saved for months to commission it for him.
07:30You shouldn't spend what you can't spare on me.
07:32There's really no need.
07:33He had said.
07:34But you deserve the best.
07:35I told him.
07:36He kissed me.
07:37His eyes full of warmth.
07:38The next morning, he walked into the great hall with it on his hand.
07:42He even caught my eye and smirked, turning his hand slowly.
07:45Every she-wolf in the hall whispered about it for days.
07:48The ring was now on another she-wolf's hand.
07:51It struck me all at once.
07:52The one he was ever willing to hold through the night was never me.
07:55I could.
07:56One week until I left the pack.
07:58Then Isabella appeared at the gathering hall.
08:00She slammed a sealed pouch onto the table between us.
08:03Inside was a single strand of my hair.
08:06I found this in James's guest chamber.
08:09So you're the secret she-wolf.
08:10Before I could speak, ice-cold water hit me across the face.
08:14Then came the slap.
08:15Hard.
08:16How can you sink this low?
08:18She hissed.
08:18I raised my hand to strike back, but my wrist was caught mid-air.
08:22It was James.
08:23He didn't even look at me.
08:24Go to the stable, Isabella.
08:25I'll handle this.
08:26Isabella was shaking with sobs.
08:28You replaced me within six months of us parting?
08:31The moment she was gone, James's eyes turned to ice.
08:34Did I not make it clear?
08:35She was never to know about us.
08:37I pulled my wrist free and laughed.
08:39She came to me.
08:41I was waiting for my arranged meeting.
08:43The one you set up yourself, remember?
08:44I tilted my head toward the courtyard.
08:46He's here.
08:47James's face drained of color, his jaw locked tight.
08:50Fine.
08:51He said through his teeth.
08:52Enjoy yourself.
08:53He threw his cloak over my shoulders and walked away without looking back.
08:57The meeting was a disaster.
08:59An arrogant alpha heir with nothing worth hearing.
09:02When I got back to my quarters, a shadow was waiting.
09:05James was leaning against the stone wall, arms crossed.
09:09Back so soon?
09:10No moonlit walk?
09:11No shared meal?
09:12I tried to pass him, but he blocked my path.
09:14Are you that devoted to me?
09:16No interest in any other wolf at all?
09:19Then he dropped it.
09:20I'm taking Isabella as my Luna.
09:23Don't entertain any other ideas.
09:25Cause trouble and I'll have you exiled from this territory.
09:28My heart cracked clean through.
09:30I kept my eyes dry.
09:31You have nothing to worry about, Alpha James.
09:34I know exactly where I stand.
09:36I walked up the stone stairs without looking back.
09:39Below, James stood in the dark and lit a cigar.
09:41He watched my chamber window until the light went out.
09:45I returned to my quarters and sold everything.
09:48Every gift, every token, all of it gone through the territory traders.
09:51I had already arranged my passage home.
09:54Then Tom appeared with a warm drink in his hands.
09:56Ride out with me tonight?
09:58His ears went red.
09:59He held out a bundle of wildflowers.
10:01My favorites.
10:02Suddenly a sharp whistle cut through the courtyard.
10:04James was watching from his black stallion.
10:07His face was thunder.
10:08Then he spurred the horse and was gone.
10:10The next day was my last in the pack.
10:12The visiting trader, Harry, was vile.
10:15He kept finding reasons to touch me.
10:17I felt sick to my bones.
10:18It was raining hard when I finally left the hall.
10:21Footsteps behind me in the dark.
10:22It was him.
10:24Come on, sweetheart.
10:26Walk with me.
10:27I snucked.
10:27I ran into a narrow alley between the stone building.
10:30I pressed the distress room on my wrist cuff.
10:32Please answer, James.
10:34I sobbed.
10:35The room connected.
10:36It was Isabella's voice.
10:37James is bathing.
10:39What do you want?
10:40Isabella, please.
10:41Someone is following me through the alleys.
10:44Silence.
10:44And a cold laugh.
10:46Another act of desperation?
10:48Save it.
10:50Stop fantasizing about what doesn't belong to you.
10:53James's voice came from nearby.
10:54Who is it?
10:56Just Claire.
10:57Trying to ruin our evening as usual.
11:00If you respond to her, I'm leaving right now.
11:02James's voice went soft, gentle, coaxing.
11:05All right, my love.
11:06I won't.
11:06You know she can never compare to you.
11:09Don't let her get under your skin.
11:10The room went dark.
11:12Connection severed.
11:13Carrie's footsteps were right behind me.
11:15Morning, Belle.
11:16My place in the great hall was empty.
11:18I was never absent.
11:20But James thought nothing of it.
11:21He assumed I was sulking, throwing a small tantrum.
11:24The gathering began.
11:26My seat stayed empty.
11:27Suddenly, Diana let out a sharp cry.
11:30It's Claire.
11:32Something has happened to Claire.
11:34James's face turned to ash.
11:36He shot to his feet.
11:37His chair scraped stone.
11:39What do you mean?
11:40Speak clearly.
11:41He was shown the watchtower's recorded vision stone.
11:45Diana's voice was unsteady.
11:46Claire filed a complaint to Wolf Leadership.
11:49That traitor tried to assault her last night.
11:51A passing stranger pulled him off in time.
11:54She ran toward the watchtower light to get the vision recorded as proof.
11:57She is asking the pack to bring him before the Elder Council.
12:00Where is she?
12:01James's voice came out.
12:02She left the pack a week ago.
12:04Diana said quietly.
12:05She is already gone from this territory.
12:08James stood frozen.
12:09The veins in his neck rose sharp against his skin.
12:12Why was I not told?
12:13His voice was barely controlled.
12:15Why did her departure notice never reach me?
12:17Diana looked him straight in the eye.
12:19Her own were red.
12:21Pack law, she said, each word deliberate.
12:24Lower ranks only need their unit Elder's Mark to leave.
12:27You denied her elevation.
12:29You remember that?
12:30James had nothing to say.
12:31It landed like a fist across his face.
12:33He knew exactly why she had failed.
12:35And now, it was far too late.
12:37I gave my account at the border post.
12:40Then I snapped the old rune cuff he had given me and left it in the dirt.
12:44Goodbye, Silverstone.
12:45Goodbye, everything that hurt.
12:47I went home and bought a den outright.
12:49No debts, no ties.
12:51I sold every jewel and fine fur he had ever given me.
12:54It was enough to start completely fresh.
12:56I opened my own trade post.
12:58Small, but mine.
12:59Grandma's smile when she moved in was like the first warm day after a long winter.
13:04I told myself this was enough.
13:06This was good.
13:07But deep in the night, I still thought of James.
13:09He had been everything to me for so long.
13:11I was sure I would never fully get free of him.
13:14Until six months later at the village tavern,
13:16I saw a wolf across the room who carried himself just like James.
13:20Same broad shoulders.
13:22Same way of drinking alone.
13:23I waited for the old pain to tear through me.
13:26But nothing came.
13:27Not even a faint ache.
13:29I turned back to my friends and laughed.
13:31That was the moment I knew.
13:32I was finally free.
13:34A year passed.
13:35Then I saw James again.
13:36My trade post had grown fast and my rivals could not stand it.
13:40They sent wolves to spread lies about my goods across the territory.
13:44I brought it before the Elder Council and I did not flinch once.
13:48I thought it was finished.
13:49I was wrong.
13:50Six wolves cornered me in an alley near closing time.
13:53They smashed my runestone.
13:54I had no way to call for help.
13:56Then a familiar figure came crashing out of the dark.
13:59James.
13:59He threw himself between me and them without a word.
14:02He fought hard.
14:04He was still terrifying when he moved.
14:06One wolf drew a blade and drove it forward.
14:08James did not step aside.
14:10He took it.
14:11The blade sank deep into his side.
14:13Blood soaked through his tunic.
14:15I forgot how to breathe.
14:16He leaned his weight against me, breathing hard.
14:19He reached up and brushed a tear from my cheek.
14:21Don't be afraid.
14:23It takes a great deal more than this to bring me down.
14:26James survived.
14:27By morning, he was stable.
14:29His rode hard to reach the healer's quarters.
14:31Isabella came too.
14:33He's hurt because of you!
14:35She screamed at me in the corridor.
14:37I never once asked him to step in front of that blade.
14:41How can you be so cold?
14:43She gasped.
14:45I was the one who severed your ruin link that night.
14:49James never received your distress call.
14:52When he finally saw the Visionstone recording, he nearly tore that traitor apart with his bare hands.
14:56I cut her off.
14:57It no longer matters to me.
14:58She went quiet for a moment.
15:00We ended things a year ago, she said, much softer now.
15:03He ended it.
15:04Right after you left the territory.
15:07He loved you far more than he ever understood.
15:10She pressed a bundle of travel documents into my hands.
15:13Every single journey had the same destination.
15:16My home territory.
15:17He came twice every moon seasal.
15:20He never once approached you.
15:22He said he no longer had the right to.
15:24I'm telling you all of this because I have let go too.
15:28James opened his eyes and found me sitting beside him.
15:31His voice came out raw and broken.
15:33I thought I would never see you again.
15:35I set the travel documents down on the bed between us.
15:39You have already seen me more times than I knew.
15:41He turned his face away like a wolf caught doing something shameful.
15:44I never meant to disturb your life.
15:46He said quietly.
15:48James, none of that matters anymore.
15:50We have already closed that chapter.
15:52He looked pale as white bark.
15:54His eyes filled slowly.
15:56I am sorry about the rank invasion.
15:59I had a different path planned for you.
16:01A better one.
16:02I closed my eyes.
16:04My chest pulled tight.
16:05Telling me this now will not bring me back.
16:07But you never told me then!
16:09I snapped.
16:10Why did you say nothing when I stood in your chamber weeping?
16:14James went still.
16:15Nothing came out.
16:16Because you never thought I needed to know.
16:17You were always standing above everything.
16:20Above everyone.
16:21My feelings were never something you considered worth your attention.
16:24He looked as though something inside him had finally given way.
16:28He reached toward me.
16:29His hand fell before it got there.
16:31I did not look back.
16:32I walked out.
16:33As I rode away, I glanced up at the window.
16:36He was standing there, watching.
16:37Until the road curved and he disappeared from sight entirely.
16:42I settled his healer's fees in full before I left.
16:45Another year passed.
16:46The cold season returned to Silverstone territory.
16:49I walked into my new post with my head straight and my steps sure.
16:53My new pack gave me real authority and room to grow.
16:56At 29, I was back in the heart of things.
16:59When a problem outgrew me, I sent James a message.
17:01And he always answered.
17:03He gave everything he knew and asked for nothing in return.
17:06I did not hate him.
17:08I simply used what he offered and moved forward.
17:10I grew faster than I ever had before.
17:13Five years on, our pack expanded and claimed new territory.
17:17As one of the founding members, I finally held a future I had built myself.
17:21I was at last the one writing my own story.
17:24We both showed up to a major inter-pack trade bid for a sought-after merchant alliance.
17:30James is presented first.
17:31Their idea centered on a story about an enchanted brew.
17:34One sip and your chosen wolf will fall for you completely.
17:37It was a perfect fated mate ending.
17:39The elder judges were impressed.
17:41But it was our idea too.
17:43My team went pale beside me.
17:45What do we do?
17:46They whispered urgently.
17:47I walked onto the stage.
17:49The torchlight caught my face.
17:50Our original concept was the same as theirs.
17:53I said plainly.
17:54The room stirred.
17:55I let it settle.
17:56But standing here right now, I want to change the ending.
18:00In our version, the she-wolf does not give the enchanted brew to her alpha.
18:05She drinks it herself.
18:07The judges stared.
18:08I kept going with a steady smile.
18:10If magic like that existed, I would want it to make us fall in love with ourselves.
18:15Because the moment you truly know your own worth, your life finally begins.
18:20I looked out across the room.
18:22This comes from something I lived.
18:25I once ran myself into the ground chasing a wolf I believed was beyond my reach.
18:29But the moment I started choosing myself, I understood something.
18:33I am just as worthy as he ever was.
18:36Perhaps more.
18:37Silence filled the hall.
18:38Then one pair of hands began to clap.
18:40It was James, sitting alone in the far corner of the room.
18:44He was not looking down at me the way he once had.
18:46He was looking up.
18:47Eyes steady.
18:48Something like reverence in them.
18:50We held each other's gaze for a moment and smiled.
18:53Not every wound needs to be reopened to be healed.
18:56The day I chose myself was the day I made peace with all of it.
18:59We went after the trade hall.
19:01James found me alone in the corridor.
19:02He looked like he had been waiting for the right moment.
19:05Claire.
19:05I stopped.
19:07I want to start over.
19:08He said.
19:09If you'll let me.
19:10I looked at him for a long moment.
19:11He was still the same James.
19:13Same broad shoulders.
19:14Same eyes that never gave much away.
19:16But I was not the same Claire who had stood outside his chamber door in the rain.
19:20James.
19:21I said.
19:21We're done for good.
19:23That's enough.
19:24I spotted Isabella standing not far away.
19:27Your fiancé's waiting for you.
19:29Don't keep her waiting.
19:30James frowned.
19:31I'll sort things out with her.
19:32Don't worry.
19:33He stepped forward, reaching out to hold me.
19:35I stepped back, dodged him, and left.
19:37After he started appearing in my territory.
19:40That alpha comes a lot.
19:41My friend asked me curiously.
19:43He does.
19:44I said.
19:45Is it business?
19:46I picked up my ledger.
19:48It's always business with him.
19:50He was looking for a way back in.
19:51But there are doors that, once closed, do not open from the outside.
19:55He would figure that out eventually.
19:57A package arrived at my post one morning.
19:59I opened it and went still.
20:01That silver ring matched the one on his hand.
20:04It fit perfectly.
20:06I sighed, took off the silver ring, and carefully stored it in a box.
20:10If I'd gotten this before, I would have been overjoyed.
20:13My career is at a critical rising stage, but rivals have caused me huge trouble.
20:18My friend Mara finally pushed me out the door.
20:22Go.
20:23Two hours.
20:25You're no use to anyone like this.
20:26I ended up at the Territory Tavern.
20:29I sat at the far end of the bar and ordered something strong and didn't talk to anyone.
20:33Anything troubling you, miss?
20:35A handsome man sat down beside me with a wine glass.
20:38You can tell me everything.
20:40This encounter reminded me of my first meeting with James.
20:43I shook my head and stopped thinking about James.
20:46Of course.
20:47That night, I spent a lovely evening with this handsome young man, Ethan.
20:50When I woke up, Ethan walked over to me with a glass of milk.
20:54Must have worn yourself out last night.
20:56Want some milk?
20:57I sat on the bed holding the glass of milk.
21:00Claire, you might not remember me, but I've liked you for a long time.
21:05Will you be with me?
21:06I fell silent for a moment.
21:08Ethan, can you handle a physical-only relationship?
21:12His eyes turned red, yet he nodded in acceptance.
21:15It reminded me of myself back then.
21:17I couldn't bear to look at him any longer, so I got up, tidied myself up, and left.
21:23A few days later, I was dealing with work in my office.
21:26My office door slammed open.
21:29Claire, how could you get together with someone else?
21:32James burst in, with guards trailing behind him.
21:35The guards kept apologizing to me.
21:38We're so sorry, Miss Claire.
21:40We couldn't hold back this alpha.
21:42I waved the guards away, signaling them to leave.
21:45The office door closed, leaving only James and me alone.
21:49James, my life has nothing to do with you anymore.
21:53Please stop disturbing my life.
21:55James walked around the desk and pulled me into his arms.
21:58Claire, can you give me one more chance to win you over?
22:01I can't stand living without you.
22:03I sighed and said nothing in reply.
22:05He took my silence as consent, and kept sending me gifts and flowers every single day.
22:11He even brought me homemade cookies one day.
22:13A mighty alpha made cookies for me with his own two hands.
22:17I found it harder and harder to stop myself from falling for him all over again.
22:22Memories of when James and I first got together washed over me.
22:25Though James claimed ours was merely a physical affair, the way we got along was just like a real couple.
22:31He would take me anywhere I wanted to go whenever he had free time.
22:35He'd notice the things I liked and buy them for me.
22:37He also taught me how to handle the wolf pack's affairs.
22:40I grew little by little under his guidance.
22:43Once, he took me hunting out in the wild.
22:45We shared one horse.
22:46He sat behind me and showed me how to draw a bow and shoot arrows.
22:50I soon shot a rabbit under his instruction.
22:52When I excitedly showed him my catch, he'd pat my head and praise me.
22:58Well done, Claire.
22:59Yet an accident still happened.
23:01A black bear caught our scent and lingered nearby, waiting for a chance to strike.
23:06Just as I'd shot another rabbit and excitedly dismounted to pick it up to show James,
23:10Claire, watch out!
23:11I spun around and the black bear's paw was nearly upon me.
23:15I was overcome with terror, my legs shaking non-stop, barely able to move an inch.
23:21At that very moment, a figure stepped in front of me.
23:24It was James.
23:25He grabbed me and rolled with me to the other side of the grassland, and his face drained of all
23:30color.
23:31He gritted his teeth and stood up, shielding me behind him.
23:34Claire, stay safe.
23:36The black bear circled us non-stop, and we never broke eye contact with it.
23:40James' voice turned faint.
23:43Claire, I'll cover you.
23:44Ride away on the horse, ride away.
23:46No, James, don't say that.
23:48I can't leave you here and run off alone.
23:51Listen to me, Claire.
23:53Go fetch the guards to come rescue me.
23:55Both our lives are in your hands now.
23:57Tears streamed down my face as I sobbed.
24:00The black bear grew restless, ready to charge at any moment.
24:04Now, Claire, run!
24:05The bear roared and charged straight at us.
24:07I forced my legs to move and sprinted toward the horse.
24:11I swung myself onto the horse and cracked the whip hard.
24:15The steed bolted forward with me at top speed.
24:18The wind howled fiercely, yet it could never dry the tears streaming down my cheeks.
24:23Only one thought filled my mind.
24:25Faster.
24:26I have to save James.
24:28At last, I spotted the guard's watchtower far in the distance.
24:31I screamed at the top of my lungs.
24:34Help!
24:35There's a black bear!
24:37Danger!
24:38Alpha's still back there!
24:40Hurry and save him!
24:41A squad of guards heard my cries.
24:43They halted my horse.
24:45What's wrong?
24:46Hurry and save Alpha!
24:48He's still in the forest fighting a black bear!
24:51I was gasping through my sobs, practically shouting the words.
24:55Their expressions turned grave at once.
24:57We've got this, miss.
24:58We'll need you to lead the way.
25:00As we drew near the area, we could hear the black bear's furious roars.
25:05We quickened our pace.
25:07James sat leaning back against a tree trunk.
25:09Blood splattered everywhere across the ground.
25:12The black bear was to him and dropped to my knees beside him.
25:15James, are you alright?
25:16James slowly opened his eyes and focused on me.
25:19I'm fine, Claire.
25:20Don't worry.
25:21He passed out again mid-sentence.
25:23The guards lifted him up and rushed him for treatment.
25:26In the infirmary, James' wounds had already been bandaged.
25:30I sat beside his bed, listening as the guards spoke.
25:33Miss, we tracked down the black bear near where Alpha collapsed.
25:37It bled out and perished.
25:39Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them.
25:42The guards left, leaving just the two of us alone.
25:45I leaned over his bedside.
25:47James, you fool.
25:49Claire, what are you saying?
25:51I froze and quickly lifted my head.
25:54Those familiar eyes were open once more.
25:56I threw my arms around him, sobbing.
25:58James, you're awake.
26:00I was terrified you'd never open your eyes again.
26:04Claire, don't be afraid.
26:06I won't leave you alone in this world.
26:08After that incident, I fell completely in love with him.
26:11No one around us knew about our relationship, but I didn't care.
26:15He was all that mattered to me.
26:16Until one day, I walked into his room.
26:19His room was always locked and he never let me step foot inside.
26:22I thought he was just a neat freak.
26:24That day, I passed his room and noticed the door was unlocked.
26:27His room was spotlessly tidy.
26:29A photo frame sat on the bedside table, holding a picture of a couple grinning happily.
26:34I wish the man in the photo wasn't James.
26:36Unfortunately, it was him, and I'd never seen him smile so brightly before.
26:40He was always cold toward me.
26:42I thought that was just his nature.
26:44But now I realize it was all simply because I wasn't the special one.
26:48My hands trembled slightly.
26:49I flipped the photo frame over, and Isabella and James' names were written on the back.
26:54Tears slipped down my cheeks before I knew it.
26:56I f***ed.
26:57That night, I sat in my room, unable to fall asleep no matter what.
27:01I got out of bed and knocked on James' door.
27:03He'd obviously just gotten out of the shower, still damp all over.
27:06Why aren't you asleep yet, Claire?
27:08James, I can't sleep.
27:10He held me patiently.
27:12What's wrong?
27:12Tell me, and I'll fix it.
27:14Perhaps James' doting affection emboldened me.
27:17That photo frame on your nightstand.
27:18I hadn't even finished speaking when he shoved me away abruptly.
27:21Did you touch it?
27:22I froze.
27:23He walked straight to the nightstand and checked the photo frame.
27:26He let out a relieved breath when he saw the frame was unharmed.
27:29Claire, who gave you permission to barge into my room?
27:32The overwhelming alpha aura rolling off him sent chills running down my spine.
27:37Know your place, and don't touch what doesn't belong to you.
27:40Pulling myself out of my memories, I stared at the flowers and cookies laid out on the table,
27:45a jumble of emotions swirling inside me.
27:48I took a cookie out of the bag.
27:50Surprisingly, it tasted wonderful.
27:52The office door swung open, and my first thought was that it was James.
27:56The cookies taste amazing.
27:58What cookies?
28:00Are you craving some, Claire?
28:01I looked up and saw Ethan.
28:03He stepped inside and spotted the cookie in my hand.
28:06His eyes reddened in an instant.
28:08I sighed.
28:09He looked just like I used to back then.
28:11I didn't want him to get hurt the way I did.
28:14Ethan, you can see it too.
28:16I still can't get alpha out of my heart, and it'll take a very long time to move on.
28:20This isn't fair to you.
28:22He seemed to guess what I was about to say and cut me off abruptly.
28:25Don't say it, Claire.
28:26I already know.
28:27I brought all of this on myself.
28:29I'll wait until the day you're ready to accept me.
28:32A wave of dizziness washed over me.
28:35When I came to again, everything was pitch black, and my hands and feet were tied tight.
28:40Worst of all, I suspected I'd been drugged.
28:43I couldn't shift into my wolf form at all.
28:45The big door creaked open, and the harsh light stung my eyes so badly I couldn't open them.
28:51Isabella's figure appeared before my eyes, with several half-wolves trailing behind her.
28:56I struggled to sit up straight.
28:58Isabella, I can't believe you're conciding with half-wolves.
29:01Rumors said half-wolves were loathed by the Luna, which was why they couldn't shift into wolves.
29:06Isabella let out a cold huff, squatted down, and tilted my chin up with her finger.
29:12Claire, that alpha abandoned his fated mate just for you, and humiliated me completely within the pack.
29:17He doesn't deserve to be the alpha of the pack at all.
29:20Tell me, if you became a broken wolf, would he still want you?
29:24My mind raced wildly, scrambling to think of a way to calm Isabella down.
29:30A wolf form is the most precious thing any werewolf possesses.
29:34I never knew any of this, Isabella.
29:38Cherish whatever time you have left, Claire.
29:41If James doesn't show up in two hours, you're finished.
29:44The door slammed shut once more.
29:46Despair washed over me, yet I refused to give up.
29:49I hadn't used the werewolf mental link in ages,
29:52because James had never once been willing to open a mental link with me.
29:55I sent out a tentative mental signal.
29:58Surprisingly, I connected with James almost instantly.
30:01Don't be scared, Claire. I'm on my way.
30:03Sounds of fighting and wolf howls echoed from outside the door.
30:07The door was slammed open, and Isabella stood there.
30:10She held a knife, sliced through the ropes around my ankles,
30:13then pressed the blade against my throat.
30:16This blade's coated in lethal poison.
30:19Cooperate, or you'll die.
30:21James appeared in the doorway.
30:22Isabella, there's still time to stop. Let her go.
30:26James, how dare you treat me like this for another woman?
30:30You told me to help you put on an act.
30:32You said once Claire bought your fake remorse, you'd marry me,
30:35and she'd only be your mistress.
30:37My knees nearly buckled at her words.
30:39The ridiculous thing was, I'd actually softened my heart back then.
30:43Shut up, Isabella!
30:47Claire, don't believe a word she says.
30:49It no longer matters who's telling the truth.
30:51All I want is to go back home and live a quiet life with my grandmother.
30:55James tried to step closer to us.
30:57Stop right there, James!
30:59Isabella pressed the knife even closer to my neck.
31:01A thin streak of blood had appeared on my neck.
31:04James held up his hands.
31:06All right, I won't come any closer.
31:07Calm down, Isabella.
31:09Tears streamed down Isabella's face, and her hand clutching the knife trembled violently.
31:14You've made me a laughingstock of the entire pack, James!
31:18I seized the chance right then and stomped hard on her foot.
31:22James didn't let the opportunity slip either.
31:24In an instant, he had Isabella restrained.
31:27He tied Isabella's hands behind her back.
31:29Then he walked toward me.
31:31Claire, are you all right?
31:32He pulled me tight into his arms.
31:34I felt wetness seep into my shoulder.
31:37He was crying.
31:38After that day, I put all my work on hold and stayed home to keep my grandmother company.
31:43I didn't want to see anyone at all.
31:45Only Ethan would drop by occasionally with bread he'd baked.
31:49Grandma adored him.
31:50It didn't take long for the investigation results to come out.
31:53Ethan's wolf fur was unexpectedly found at the scene.
31:56I could hardly believe it when James told me the news.
31:59I started investigating Ethan.
32:01Only after starting the investigation did I realize Ethan harbored countless secrets.
32:06I was worn out, so I took a chance and asked him straight out.
32:10Ethan, are you hiding something from me?
32:13He froze where he stood.
32:14He turned around, moonlight falling behind him.
32:18Claire, what are you talking about?
32:21Ethan, I'm not in the mood for riddles.
32:23His expression shifted, and a gust of air swirled around his body.
32:27It was the aura of an alpha.
32:29Claire, I never meant to lie to you.
32:31I'm the alpha of the neighboring territory, and I was utterly captivated by you at the press conference.
32:36You're beautiful, elegant, intelligent.
32:38You possess every fine quality imaginable.
32:41During all the time I've spent with you, I've fallen deeply in love with you.
32:44I'd never seen Ethan like this, looking so powerful.
32:47Claire, I swear on my wolf that I will be loyal to you for the rest of my life.
32:53Ethan, you know my wolf vanished after the kidnapping incident.
32:56I don't care about that, Claire.
32:57All I care about is you.
32:58He stepped forward and took both of my hands in his.
33:01I'll stay by your side until you get your wolf back.
33:03Even if you never do, it's fine.
33:05I'll share my wolf spirit with you.
33:07I blinked, holding back my tears.
33:10What about the wolf fur at the scene?
33:11James said he found your fur there.
33:13Ethan pulled me into his arms.
33:15I panicked the second I heard you've been taken, so I unleashed my powers.
33:19Two alphas can't exist in one territory at the same time, and James sensed my presence.
33:23He tried to drive me away, but I offered to cede part of my territory in exchange for
33:27his permission to stay for half an hour.
33:28I dealt with the half-wolves outside, so James was free to rescue you.
33:31Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably.
33:34Ethan, that's your territory you gave up.
33:36Territory can be re-acclaimed.
33:38He lowered his head and pressed a kiss to my forehead.
33:43From that day on, Ethan came to see me openly every day, claiming he was helping me find
33:49my wolf.
33:49Grandmother was glad to see us getting along so well.
33:52One day, Ethan looked unusually dejected.
33:55What's wrong, Ethan?
33:56Claire, I think I've found a way to bring your wolf back.
33:59What is it?
34:00I asked anxiously.
34:01He seemed hesitant to speak.
34:03Just tell me, Ethan.
34:05I'll accept any cost it takes.
34:06His cheeks flushed slowly.
34:08Become my Luna and bear my wolf, pups.
34:11That will awaken the wolf inside you.
34:13My cheeks burned with heat as well.
34:15After spending all this time with him, I'd realized Ethan was a reliable, thoughtful,
34:20and fiercely powerful mate.
34:22Yet I'd never once imagined becoming his Luna.
34:25Let me think about it, Ethan.
34:26I'll respect whatever you choose, Claire.
34:28I'll keep searching for another way.
34:30Grandmother was growing older by the day.
34:33Her greatest wish was to see me happy.
34:35Besides, I'd fallen in love with him after all our time together.
34:39So the next time Ethan came to my house, I reached out to Ethan.
34:42I'm willing.
34:43He froze, overcome by overwhelming joy the next second.
34:47Wait, Claire.
34:48I haven't given you the proper ceremony yet.
34:50I want to announce to everyone that you're going to be my Luna.
34:54I'll treat you well for all eternity, Claire.
34:56The wedding ceremony was grand beyond measure.
34:59It was a night of full moon.
35:01Ethan handed me a wolf-toothed necklace in front of all the wolves.
35:04This is the first wolf-tooth I ever shed.
35:07I give this to you now and ask you to be my Luna.
35:11I reached out to take it when a voice suddenly cut through the air.
35:15Wait a minute!
35:16James sat atop a tall horse, just like the day we'd gone hunting together.
35:20He was also dressed in formal robes.
35:23Claire is meant to be my Luna.
35:26Ethan, I challenge you to a duel.
35:28I accept your duel, James, but Claire shall not be the stake.
35:31Her choice alone will prevail.
35:33Very well.
35:34The wolves around them erupted into an uproar.
35:37Both of them unleashed their wolf forms at the same time.
35:40Powerful alpha aura swept over the entire clear...
35:43The duel lasted three full days and nights.
35:47Over those three days, I couldn't tell if I'd been consumed by worry or fear.
35:51I'd prayed Ethan would win.
35:53All the wolves gathered outside the woods, waiting for the victor to emerge.
35:58Ethan's figure came into view, did straight toward him.
36:00Ethan!
36:01We arrived at the infirmary, and I spread ointment over his wounds.
36:05The room held only the two of us.
36:07He leaned close to me.
36:09Claire, I missed you so much.
36:11My cheeks flushed.
36:13Me too.
36:13He pressed his lips to mine, and I grew lightheaded from the kiss.
36:16I only realized what he intended when I felt a damp warmth against the side of my neck.
36:21I gave him a gentle push.
36:23Not here, Ethan.
36:23I want you to be mine right now, Claire.
36:26He held me tight so I couldn't pull away, then sank his fangs into the side of my neck.
36:31A burning heat spread across my neck as I felt his mark slowly surface on my skin.
36:36He panted softly.
36:37It's your turn, Claire.
36:39Leave your mark on me.
36:40It was an indescribable sensation, as if an invisible thread bound us two together.
36:45Crescent marks bloomed on both our necks.
36:48We could feel every single thing the other felt.
36:51After we mated, Ethan had seemingly endless stamina.
36:54We were together nearly every single day.
36:56Soon enough, I was carrying his wolf cubs inside me.
37:00The pack shaman came to examine me.
37:02The wolf cubs are perfectly healthy.
37:04They'll grow stronger than any alpha to come.
37:06I could also feel my body growing stronger, day by day.
37:10Sometimes, I could even faintly sense my wolf beneath my skin.
37:14After I fell pregnant, Ethan took perfect care of me and wouldn't let me lift a finger at all.
37:20My love, thank you for bearing our wolf cubs for me.
37:23You too are the treasures bestowed upon me by the moon goddess.
37:26The wolf cub was born a little boy.
37:29He was born on a full moon night.
37:31Moonlight spilled into the birthing room.
37:33Ethan meld beside the bed and slowly held out a finger for the baby to grasp.
37:37This alpha, who could stand his ground in a three-day duel, had red-rimmed eyes, his voice trembling.
37:44He's holding on to me.
37:47Let's name him.
37:48I whispered.
37:49Luca.
37:49Ethan said without hesitation.
37:51It means moonlight.
37:52It was on that night his call brought your wolf back to you.
37:55As soon as the words left his mouth, a sudden warmth seared my chest.
37:59A long, dormant power woke in my veins, flowing gently through me.
38:03Ethan's head shot up.
38:04He felt it too.
38:05Claire, your wolf has returned.
38:08I walked over to the window, bathed in perfect moonlight.
38:12I closed my eyes and reached for the power that had slumbered inside me for so long.
38:16A silvery white she-wolf opened her eyes deep within my soul.
38:20She was far stronger than before, her coat as pure as snow.
38:24Ethan wrapped his arms around me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder.
38:28She was never gone.
38:30She only waited for someone who could make you feel safe enough to come home.
38:33I turned and leaned into his embrace.
38:35Thank you, Ethan.
38:37Silly girl.
38:38He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead.
38:40You chose me first.
38:41That's the only reason I get to be here with you.
38:44We stayed awake all through that night.
38:46Luca slept peacefully in his cradle as Ethan and I sat by the window,
38:49watching the moon drift slowly down toward the horizon.
38:53On Luca's one moon celebration, a grand feast was held across the pack territory.
38:58Grandma hobbled over with her cane, her face splitting into a wide grin the moment she held
39:03Luca in her arms.
39:04You were always my biggest worry in this life, Claire, she said softly.
39:09But all's well now.
39:10I can rest easy at last.
39:12I squeezed her wrinkled hand, my throat tightening with emotion.
39:16Ethan stepped forward and gently supported Grandma on her other side.
39:19Grandma, you've still got years to stay with us.
39:22Luca will need you to teach him how to read when he grows up.
39:25Grandma beamed, utterly charmed by his words.
39:28Midway through the feast, a guard hurried in to deliver a report.
39:32Luna, there is a visitor asking for an audience.
39:34It was James.
39:36He'd come alone, no attendants at his heels,
39:38clad in plain pale robes and carrying a wooden box in his hand.
39:43I met him in the courtyard.
39:44Ethan had wanted to follow, but I stopped him.
39:47I'll go alone.
39:48James stood beneath the tree, freezing for a split second when he laid eyes on me.
39:53You look radiant, Claire.
39:54I'm well.
39:55He held out the wooden box toward me.
39:57It's for the baby.
39:58I did not take it.
39:59I appreciate your kindness, James, but this gift is far too precious.
40:02We can't accept it.
40:03He forced a bitter smile and pulled the box back to his chest.
40:07I knew you'd say that.
40:08A long silence stretched between us before he lifted his gaze to mine.
40:12Claire, I came to say I'm sorry.
40:15I pushed away the person who mattered most to me from start to finish.
40:18I stared at him, suddenly realizing my heart had settled into complete calm.
40:23No hatred, no lingering longing.
40:26He was merely someone I'd known a long time ago.
40:28It's all in the past now, James.
40:31How is Isabella?
40:32Locked in the northern tower, sentenced to life imprisonment.
40:35He paused briefly.
40:36My pack stripped me of my alpha rank.
40:39I leave for the southern lands next month.
40:41I was surprised, yet said nothing more.
40:44I wish you a safe journey.
40:45He nodded and turned to leave, only to halt again.
40:48Claire.
40:49Yes.
40:50Do you still keep that silver ring?
40:52I buried it under the cherry blossom tree on the back mountain.
40:55It used to be where I went to clear my head.
40:58Now it can rest there forever.
41:00James stood frozen for a long moment, then offered a faint, relieved smile.
41:05Very well.
41:05Farewell, Claire.
41:06He stepped out of the courtyard, his figure fading into the moonlight.
41:10I remained standing there until I heard Ethan's soft footsteps behind me.
41:13He wrapped his arms around my waist from behind.
41:16It's over?
41:17I sank back against his chest.
41:20It's all over.
41:21Years later, Luca had grown into a tall, handsome youth.
41:25The youngest heir to the alpha position the pack had ever seen.
41:28He had a little sister named Selene.
41:31Stubborn and headstrong.
41:32Just like me.
41:33Faint strands of gray threaded Ethan's temples.
41:36Yet he was still the man who'd bring warm milk to my bedside every dawn.
41:40Grandma passed away peacefully one spring afternoon, slipping off to sleep with my hand clutched
41:45tight in hers.
41:46Her last words to me were,
41:48Claire, you chose correctly.
41:50I held her and wept for hours, but I knew she was right.
41:54I often brought the children to the back mountain.
41:56When cherry blossoms bloomed in full bloom, pink petals carpeted every path.
42:01Selene would tug at my sleeve and ask,
42:04Mother, why do we always come here?
42:05I stroked her hair with a soft smile, because long ago I buried an old version of myself
42:11right here.
42:11That girl once stood out in the rain all night long, waiting for shelter.
42:15But she learned afterward, you don't have to linger under someone else's roof waiting
42:20for the rain to end.
42:21She carries her own sunshine within.
42:24A gust swept by, sending cherry blossoms swirling all through the air.
42:29Ethan laced his fingers through mine, while Luca ran ahead with Selene tucked safely in
42:34his arms.
42:35The moon had not yet risen, yet I could tell the night would bring a beautiful glow.
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